FLOYD ON F1: Love it or loathe it, sprint races here to stay

A change in F1 for 2023 will be the number of sprint events, doubled to six, with the 100 km races to set the grid for the Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Despite many drivers being opposed to the concept, F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali is reported as saying: “We have seen a hugely positive reaction to the F1 sprint events during the first two years of its running, and we can not wait to bring fans even more action with six events next year, including our first US F1 sprint in Austin.”

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Normal qualifying sessions will determine grid positions for the sprint and the sprint result will set the grid for the actual race – something I just can not accept.

I feel it detracts from the excitement and significance of the Q1 to Q3 sessions.

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Sprints will be held at the Azerbaijan, Austrian, Spa, Qatar, United States and Interlagos circuits in the 2023 F1 season.

The risks of damage during a sprint are high as are the costs of adding an extra competitive 100km.

During a meeting in Bologna recently the World Motor Sport Council approved increases to the F1 budget cap, regarding running costs and damage.

Last season teams received an extra $150 000 (about R2.6 million) on their budget cap. This will be increased to $300 000 per sprint weekend for 2023, while accident damage compensation remains at $100 000.

“The introduction of the F1 sprint has created a race weekend that includes three days of competitive racing action and brings more entertainment to fans of the sport as well as additional value for key stakeholders including teams, broadcasters, partners, and host venues,” Domenicali has said.

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I am not convinced the new format “brings more entertainment to fans of the sport”. The most important part is obviously the “additional value for key stakeholders”. I am sure the board and shareholders of Liberty Media wholeheartedly agree.

We can look back on an interesting year. The new cars produced difficulties for some, a less controversial second F1 title for Max Verstappen and significantly the rise of a serious championship contender in George Russell.

Roll on 2023.